Cathy's Reviews > Duels & Deception

This was a hoot. The author perfectly captures the style of Jane Austen down to the chapter summaries (‘In which a carriage should not have been ordered and an apology has unseen consequences’), the period phrases (such as ‘doing it up too brown’ to mean doing something well) and the sly wit and humour:

‘With a gasp, Lydia sat up in a dizzy stupor and came perilously close to issuing a most undignified scream. Had her training at Miss Melvina’s Finishing School for Young Ladies been anything buy exemplary, she might have done so…’

Lydia is a plucky and resourceful heroine and Robert an able and likeable hero. Together they seek to find out who is behind the abduction of Lydia and the attempt to ruin her reputation. For as any fan of Jane Austen knows, a lady’s reputation must be maintained at all costs:

‘A ruined reputation would affect the entire household. Society would look askance at all the ladies of Roseberry should news of Lydia’s disappearance be made known. Worthy marriage prospects for Elaine, Ivy and Tessa would vanish on the strength of Lydia’s immoral influence.’

The book has a cast of characters worthy of Jane Austen including scatty mama and unlucky in love friend. So if you want reticules, spencers and curricles and a Regency romp involving bonnets, butlers, duels at dawn, light-hearted intrigue, tender romance, interspersed with tea in the drawing room, then this is the book for you.

Well done to the author for this accomplished pastiche and respectful homage to her literary heroine, Jane Austen. Although it is categorised as Young Adult, I think it would make a fun, light read for readers of any age.

I received an advance reader copy courtesy of the author and publishers, Swoon Reads, in return for an honest review.

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